Tripology

Commercial Flight

Board your over­night transatlantic flight.

Welcome to Dublin! Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel.

Hotel

Stay at Radisson St. Helen’s (DLX).

Historical and Educational Tours

See Georgian squares and pass Christ Church on your way to stately St. Patrick’s Cathedral. On to the seat of learning at the heart of Dublin – Trinity College. Walk across the cobbled squares to the old library and see one of Ireland’s ­greatest treasures – the 8th century Book of Kells.

Shopping

Spend the rest of your day ­explor­ing the city’s shops, galleries and ­museums or relax in a café or pub. (B)

Sightseeing

Travel through the serene Wicklow Mountains to the monastic ruins at Glenda­lough. On to the ancient town of Waterford with its colorful terrace houses, cafés and bars overlooking the quayside.

Sightseeing

At the Waterford Crystal Factory, watch master craftsmen at work in the ­centuries-old tradition of glass cutting and engraving, then stroll through the splendid showrooms.

Bus

On to Cork, the largest city on Ireland’s south coast. (B,D)

Hotel

Stay at Montenotte Hotel Cork (SF).

Sightseeing

Your first stop today is Blarney Castle with its magical stone that gives the gift of eloquence for a kiss.

Shopping

Stroll across to the Blarney Woollen Mills to shop for fine Irish knitwear and handicrafts.

Sightseeing

Then on to Killarney, famous for its cheerful atmosphere ­and what the Irish call “craic!” ­– Gaelic for fun. (B)

Hotel

Stay at Killarney Avenue (SF) or Killarney Towers (SF).

Sightseeing

Journey along the road that winds around the beautiful Iveragh Peninsula, better known as The Ring of Kerry. This is one of the most beautiful and magical places in Ireland. Here mountains, ­valleys, lakes and sea blend into a landscape that is often breathtaking beyond words. After dinner, you are free to stroll through Killarney town. (B,D)

This morning cross the Shannon estuary by ferry and enter County Clare. Stop

Sightseeing

for a walk along the Cliffs of Moher, rising approximately 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic waves. Then travel north across the Burren, a suddenly stark and barren landscape. Drop in for afternoon tea at Rathbaun Farm and meet an Irish farming family as they carry out their everyday chores. Watch as the farmer shears a sheep and maneuvers his flock with the help of his dog.

Sightseeing

Next, on to tour Galway, “City of the Tribes,” including lovely Galway Cathedral. The balance of your day is at leisure. (B,AT,D)

Sightseeing

In the west of Ireland, the starkly beautiful mountains of Galway and Mayo drop down to the coast. Little whitewashed cottages are scattered over a land of mountains, brooks and rivers. Visit Kylemore Abbey, a castellated neo-Gothic mansion, occupied by the Irish Benedictine community of nuns who came from Ypres after World War I. (B,D)

Hotel

Stay at Connemara Coast (SF).

Sightseeing

First stop is the Shrine at Knock, a place of modern pilgrimage for millions. In 1879, the figures of Mary, St. Joseph and St. John are reported to have miraculously appeared here in a vision to 15 local people. In County Sligo, bid your own farewell to W.B. Yeats, Ireland’s great poet at Drumcliff churchyard.

Bus

Then continue on to Bundoran on Donegal Bay, in the heart of picturesque Donegal. (B,D)

Hotel

Stay at Great Northern Hotel (SF) in Bundoran.

National Parks

Travel north to Glenveagh National Park. Covering nearly 40,000 acres, the Park is Ireland’s largest. It encompasses scenic lakes, forested hills, and majestic mountains, including the two highest peaks in Donegal. This is also home to the largest herd of red deer in Ireland.

Sightseeing

Board mini­buses for the trip to Glenveagh Castle, a 19th-century mansion. You may want to take a guided tour of the sump­tuous interior or stroll through the ­formal gardens and rhododendron woods or along one of the many trails. (B,D)

Sightseeing

Today, travel south. From the Heritage Centre at ancient Bru-na-Boinne, visit the Neo­lithic tombs at Knowth which predate the pyramids by 1000 years. (Some tours may substitute this with a visit to the historic Hill of Tara.) This peaceful place contrasts the final destination of your tour – Dublin. (B)

Your homebound flight arrives the same. day. (B)